Operating Systems

Define OS Operating System is a type of system software. Operating system software includes instructions that allow a computer to run. An operating system is a set of instructions designed to work with a specific type of computer.

GUI GUI stands for graphical user interface. Interface is the manner in which a computer system presents information to another computer or to a user. A graphical user interface means that the work you do often depends on your ability to use a mouse and to click on icons, menus, options, and buttons. Most operating systems today use a GUI.

DOS DOS, disk operating system, is an example of an OS that is not a GUI. DOS was a command based OS with no mouse or icons to click. With DOS you had to put in a command for a program to open. Example…use C Prompt to pull up solitaire with the command…sol

Windows Operating System Desktop – The main screen in the windows operating system; includes icons and taskbar. Icons Taskbar

Desktop Contents My Computer – gives you access to all the programs, documents, data files, floppy drives, and CD-ROM drives on your computer. Application Shortcut – arrow indicator; gives you a quick way to start the application. Recycle Bin – Stores the files you delete Start Button – Opens the start menu, from which you can access programs and documents. Quick Launch toolbar

Cont. Desktop Contents Taskbar – bar located at the bottom of the desktop; as you work with applications, application and document names appear on the taskbar. System Tray – some applications place an icon in the area at the right end of the taskbar to provide a quick way to start the associated program. Clock – shows the current time of day; double- click to change the time, date, or time zone.

Important Keystrokes Esc (Escape) – used to cancel actions Ctrl+Esc – shortcut to activate the Start Menu Windows Key – opens Start Menu Alt+Tab or Alt+Esc – lets you switch from one open window to another Alt+F4 – closes the current window; good for pop-up windows.

Important Info from Worksheet Discuss worksheet

Different Types of Operating Systems Mac OS – runs on an Apple Macintosh computer Microsoft Windows – over 90 percent of users have a Windows OS UNIX and Linux UNIX - one of the first operating systems ever written; it was designed to work on powerful business and scientific computers Linux – free and can be downloaded from the Internet; can be bought with included other features